My Sun Allergy
by Lydia
(Baltimore, MD, USA)
Sun allergies can affect anyone - but generally affect people with sensitive skin and pale skin, or those who are not used to excessive sun exposure.
Just like any allergy, sun allergies occur when the skin has a histamine reaction to an external stimulus.
In the case of sun allergies, the allergen is the sun.
Many people may experience sun allergies in the form of itching, redness, "heat rash", or swelling.
To avoid these symptoms, avoid being out in the sun in the peak hours, generally 11am - 4pm.
If you must be in the heat and sun at these times, wear loose fitting clothing made of natural fibers, and make sure that you stay clean, dry and well hydrated.
I experienced a sun allergy once while riding in a hot, stuffy, car, but it went away as soon as I was able to get into an air conditioned room.
